Of the 1.2 billion people who lack basic energy access around the world, 772 million are covered by mobile networks. Similar figures exist for water and sanitation, as 289 million of those lacking access to drinking water, and 2.4 billion people without improved sanitation facilities are covered by mobile networks.

USAID has just announced a very compelling program for all those who want to see scale in international development. The Development Innovation Ventures Annual Program Statement (a type of RFP) is soliciting proposals in all development sectors - from economic growth to agriculture to anti-corruption activities - that have potential to reach this outcome: